273 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216

The 273 Gates Avenue building, owned by Yvonne Cummings, is a 6-story, 35-unit New Law Tenement built in 1920 located in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The property has experienced persistent elevator issues, with multiple complaints documented between 2024-2025 regarding the single elevator service, including violations for being the only device out of service, impacting numerous tenants and creating dangerous conditions. The building is also facing ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly in apartment 3D, where as of September 2024 there were open violations for water leaks, ceiling and wall plaster issues, and defective water supply lines.

Recent inspection history from mid-2025 shows multiple complaints regarding unsanitary conditions and pest issues, though HPD inspections found generally no housing law violations. Building inspections have revealed various maintenance needs, including issues with doors, windows, and interior surfaces, while rodent inspections between 2022-2023 indicated rat activity. The property has a complex history of violations and compliance issues, with four active ECB violations as of late 2024 related to elevator service, building maintenance, and safety systems, carrying significant penalties.

Past violations included fire escape access concerns and various maintenance issues that required correction. Regular bedbug reporting since 2019 shows no infestations, and while rodent inspections have shown occasional issues, most inspections between 2011-2023 have resulted in passing grades. The building has undergone various maintenance inspections and repairs, including a permit for elevator work issued in 2019. While some historical violations have been resolved, the property continues to face challenges with elevator service reliability and general maintenance compliance, particularly regarding timely repairs and notifications to the Department of Buildings.